“If this is a family matter, Rebecca and I can step outside.” Seth reached for his cane.
“No need for that, Seth. You and Rebecca are a part of this family.”
Cora’s head snapped up. She opened her mouth, but Ruthann held up her hand to stop her daughter’s protest.
“The day you took Janie in, you became a part of our family. So I want you all to hear my announcement.”
Jack leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. His gaze met his wife’s and he shook his head.
“I have decided to stay here in Cottonwood Springs and Janie is staying with me.” Ruthann tickled the baby’s tummy and kissed her cheek.
“No!” Cora gasped. “Ma, you can’t.”
Ruthann shook her head. “Yes, I can, Cora.”
“How? You don’t have a place to stay. And I hate to say this, but you aren’t young anymore.” Cora shook her head. “No, you are going with us and that’s final.” She turned to Jack. “Jack, let’s get packed up and leave now before these people can put any more silly notions in Ma’s head.” Cora turned her glare onto Rebecca.
“No, Cora. We’re going to hear your mother out.”
Cora turned on him. Her face turned a molten red. “Jack! These people have turned her against us. All they want is Janie. As soon as we leave, they will cast Ma out into the cold. I won’t let that happen!”
Janie began to fuss and reach for Rebecca. Rebecca walked over to Ruthann and took the baby. “We have no intention of casting Ruthann out into the cold.” She smiled. “Besides, she’s not staying with us. We’re staying with her.”
“What?” Seth stood.
“Please sit, Marshal, and let me explain. You, too, Cora.” Once they were seated, Ruthann explained. “The other night, Rebecca and I were visiting and we decided the best way to raise Janie is with her family. Rebecca loves Janie like a mother and I am her grandmother. So, I bought the old Porter place and have been working on it off and on to create a home for the three of us.”
“But Mother, you know we are leaving in the morning. I can’t imagine leaving you here. And, what about the rest of us? We’d like to see Janie grow up, too.” Tears filled Cora’s eyes. Around a tight-sounding throat, she accused, “You are just being selfish.”
Jack stood and walked to his wife. “No, Cora, we are the ones who have been selfish. We’ve dragged your mother from her home. Asked her to help with a wagon full of children and expected her to be happy.” He placed an arm around her. “We need to be happy for your mother.”
“Thank you, Jack.” Ruthann pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve. She wiped her watery eyes. “I think this is where God wants me to be, Cora. Please, try to understand.”
Cora buried her face in Jack’s shoulder.
Seth stood. “If you will excuse us, Rebecca and I have some things to discuss, as well.” He walked to the door and held it open for Rebecca.
She picked up a blanket and toy for Janie, then stepped outside. The days were turning warmer and she inhaled the sweet smell of the honeysuckle that grew beside the house. Seth closed the door and walked down the steps using his cane.
He put his hand on the small of her back and then directed her to a tall tree. “We need to talk.”
Warmth traveled up her back and into her hair; goose bumps popped out on her arms. “What about?” She moved away from him and set Janie on the ground while she spread out the blanket. The sound of the other kids playing on the other side of the house floated on the air.
Seth bent over and picked up Janie. He tickled her belly and made her giggle. Then he set her down on the blanket. “What is this about you and Ruthann living together? Do you even know where the Porter place is?”
“Of course I know where it’s at. I’ve been over there helping with the furniture arranging, setting up the kitchen—and, my favorite part, setting up rooms for Janie and myself.” Rebecca sat down beside the baby and handed her a round toy with rattles hanging off the side. It looked a lot like a baby tambourine.
He leaned down and looked into her face. “And just when were you working on the house?”
Seth Billings was about to get very angry. “In the evenings.” She stared back into his chocolate eyes. They narrowed.
He growled, “After everyone else was in bed?”
Rebecca swallowed. “That was the only time Ruthann and I could get away.”
“Rebecca Ramsey! Have you not listened to a word I’ve said about the Evans gang? What if one of them had nabbed you? With this cane I couldn’t do a thing about it! I can’t believe you put yourself in danger like that, and Ruthann, too. What were you thinking?” He jerked away from her and stomped to the tree, where he leaned his back against the trunk.
Who did he think he was? She stood and planted her arms across her chest. “I’ll thank you to stop yelling at me, Seth Billings. What I do is none of your business.”
He lurched away from the tree and was within a hair’s breadth from her before she realized he’d moved. His voice whispered across her face. “What you do is very much my business, Miss Ramsey. I promised Jesse I’d protect you and that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do.”
So that was why he’d taken such an interest in her. She stood up straight and squared her shoulders. “Well, you can stop trying.”
“No, I gave Jesse my word and I intend to keep it.” His chocolate eyes were almost the color of black licorice now. Anger seeped from him like a visible force. A whiff of coffee floated about her, mixed with the earthy scent that was entirely Seth Billings.
She pulled back. “Look, I’m not Jesse’s girl anymore and you are not responsible for me. I release you from your promise to him.”
Seth sighed. He ran his hand through his brown hair. “It’s not that simple, Rebecca.”
“Yes, it is. I became a mail-order bride because my stepmother thrust the ad upon me and then pushed me out of my father’s house. All I have wanted since that day was a home, a family. Ruthann and Janie are the answer to prayers I’ve prayed, Seth.” She stared at him, willing him to understand. To take her into his arms and tell her that he was a part of her family.
The door to the house opened. “Children!” Ruthann was the first out, followed by Edna, Cora and then Jack.
Kids tumbled around the corner, pushing, shoving and running at full speed. Mary brought up the rear, holding little Naomi’s hand.
“Would you like to come see my new house?” Ruthann continued down the short steps. At their squeals of delight she smiled. “Good.” Then she turned in their direction. “Rebecca, why don’t you bring Janie and the marshal, too?”
Rebecca looked upon Cora’s sad face. Today the young woman had to face the reality that her mother didn’t need her as much as she’d thought. Wasn’t it the same between her and Seth? He didn’t really need her but had hired her to keep a promise. She realized they were all staring at her. “All right, but I’ll need to hitch up the wagon first. We’ll meet you there.”
“You go on ahead. I don’t feel like going.” Seth walked back to the house and shut the door.
In his own way, Seth had let her know he didn’t want to be a part of her family. Rebecca scooped the baby up and bravely walked to where the others waited. “I’m ready.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Later, Rebecca sat at the table with Eliza and Hannah. She sipped her tea and sighed. “I’ve missed your tea, Eliza.”
“I’ve missed you.” Eliza set her cup down and frowned. “The house seems so quiet now with you moved in with Mrs. Shepherd.”
Hannah looked into her cup. A frown marred her pretty face.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve explained why I moved out.” Rebecca set her tea down and glanced at Hannah again. Was it her imagination or did Hannah have tears in her eyes?
Eliza dropped a teaspoon of sugar into her cup. “I know but I still miss you.” She stirred her cup.
Both of her friends’ faces were filled with misery. Eliza was lonely, but wha
t was wrong with Hannah? Rebecca set her cup on the table. “All right, you two, snap out of it. This is my time to have fun and you’re spoiling it.” Her words had the effect she wanted.
They gasped and looked at each other. Shock filled their surprised faces.
“Good, now that I have your attention. Hannah, what is bothering you?” Rebecca leaned back in her chair and waited.
Eliza searched Hannah’s face. “I’m sorry, Hannah. I’ve been wallowing in self-pity and didn’t realize something was wrong. Please, tell us. Maybe we can fix it.”
Hannah looked to Rebecca. Rebecca nodded.
“Well, I’ve been moved from one student’s home to another and I’m sick of it. Not once since we’ve known each other did you ever think to ask me to live with you, Eliza. Why not? I thought we were friends, too.” Hannah studied her hands in her lap.
How long had Hannah been carrying this hurt? Rebecca reached out and placed her hands on top of Hannah’s.
Eliza jumped up from her chair and ran around the table. She knelt beside Hannah. “I am so sorry, Hannah! I didn’t think you were comfortable around me. I mean, you only come over now when Rebecca comes for tea.”
A tear dripped from Hannah’s chin. “I didn’t think you wanted me around except when Rebecca was here.” She covered her face with her hands.
Eliza gently pulled them down. “Hannah, you and I were friends before Rebecca moved to town. I never meant to hurt your feelings and I didn’t realize that you were being shuffled from house to house. Normally, I do all the talking and you let me. Since I don’t have children in school, I didn’t know.” She pulled her friend into her arms.
Rebecca watched them hug. Hannah pulled away and wiped at her tears. She tried to smile.
“Not that it’s any of my business, but since Eliza is so lonely and you need a place to stay…” Rebecca let her words hang between them.
The squeal had both Hannah and Rebecca grabbing their ears. “Oh! Why didn’t I think of that? Hannah, please come live with me!” Eliza clapped her hands.
Rebecca smiled and nodded to Hannah.
Hannah gazed hopefully at Eliza. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel like you have to let me live with you. Especially since…”
“I’m positive.”
Rebecca left a half hour later. Both her friends were smiling and making plans. She enjoyed the walk back to Seth’s house. He seemed to be doing much better and very seldom used the cane now.
It had hurt when she realized that Seth only helped her because he’d promised Jesse he’d watch out for her. Rebecca held her head high. She didn’t need a protector. No, she’d traveled all the way from Maryland to marry a man she’d never met and had arrived safe and sound. She needed the job and so hadn’t quit working for Seth, but she didn’t need his ever-present watching eyes.
She entered the house and found Edna and Seth playing a game of checkers.
The older woman looked up and winked at Rebecca. “I’ve got him cornered.” She smiled.
“How was Janie doing?” Seth focused on the board.
Rebecca picked up her dust rag. “I don’t know. I went to Eliza’s for tea.”
His head shot up. “I thought you went home to check on the baby.”
“I didn’t say that was where I was going.”
Edna chuckled. “No, she said she was going out.”
“You knew that’s what I thought,” Seth said.
“Now, how am I supposed to know what you are thinking, Seth Billings?” She walked to the kitchen door. Just before she entered she heard Edna.
“Are we playing checkers or arguing?” Edna asked.
Rebecca snuck a glance back. Seth had refocused his gaze on the board. “We’re playing.” He moved his checker.
Edna chuckled. “Not very well, you aren’t.” She jumped three of his game pieces.
Rebecca couldn’t stop the giggle that burst from her lips as she watched his expression go from shock to irritation.
* * *
Seth looked at the group of people he’d called together—the doctor, Mr. Hamilton, the reverend, Edna Brown, Dan Tucker, Hank Browning, the Millers, Eliza Kelly and Hannah Young. After Rebecca moved in with Ruthann Shepherd, Seth found his protective instincts toward her even more overbearing. She’d been hurt by a member of the Evans gang before and he couldn’t stand the idea that she could be hurt again.
If he couldn’t watch Rebecca all the time, he would ask for help. He cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. “I guess you are all wondering why I’ve called you together.”
Some nodded; others simply waited for him to go on.
“The Evans gang is after Miss Ramsey.”
Hannah gasped. Mary exchanged looks with Edna. The doctor and the reverend nodded. The rest continued to listen and wait.
Seth hated admitting he was weak, but in this case he had no choice. Rebecca refused to use caution when moving about town. He worried about her safety and even though he was getting better every day, Seth couldn’t keep up with her.
“What do you want us to do, Marshal?” Dan asked.
“I want you to keep an eye on her, but don’t be obvious. Rebecca won’t appreciate us keeping track of her every move.”
“How do you suggest we do this?” The reverend leaned forward and studied Seth’s face.
“Well, I thought the ladies could offer to go with her places and the men could just kind of keep an eye out for her. That way she’ll never be alone. The Evans gang won’t try to nab her if she is with someone else or they can see someone else about.” Seth stopped and studied their faces. Fear filled the women’s eyes.
“Ladies, you will be safe. They only want Rebecca. You being with her will scare them off, but if you are afraid, it’s understandable.”
Eliza answered, “I’ll try to be with her as much as possible in the evenings.”
“That will be good.” He sighed. This just might work.
“I’ll come by after school and walk her to our house for afternoon tea.” Hannah sat up a little straighter.
Each lady spoke up with ways they would help spend time with Rebecca and keep her from going anywhere alone. Seth praised them and added to their suggestions.
He noticed the men were sitting quietly, not contributing. Seth rubbed his chin. “Is there a problem, gentlemen? Did I forget something?”
Dan spoke up. “It’s easy for the women to keep an eye on her, but I’m thinking Miss Ramsey will notice if we start following her around.”
“So will our wives,” Hank added.
Seth nodded. “Don’t follow her, just watch her until she is out of your sight.”
“I could offer to walk her home in the evenings,” the reverend volunteered.
Seth looked at the reverend. He’d never mentioned a wife and Seth couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. How old was the reverend? “I think that would work, Reverend, at least until I am up to walking her home again myself.” Did the man of God understand what he’d just said? Seth hoped he had.
The reverend nodded and grinned. “Walking pretty ladies home is one of my favorite parts of my job. If it’s all right with you, Seth, I’ll be coming by each evening. We’ll read from the Word and then I’ll make my excuses to leave about the same time Miss Ramsey does.”
This time Seth nodded.
“If we’re done here, I need to be getting home to my family.” Dan stood and stretched.
Seth walked to the door with him and held it while each person left. “Thank you all for coming,” he called after them.
Edna was the last to leave. She stopped and waited for the rest of them to get out of earshot and then she said, “Seth Billings, I hope you know what you are doing. Because when Rebecca learns what you’ve done here tonight, I am not sure she will forgive you.” Then she walked out onto the porch.
Why wouldn’t she forgive him? He was doing this for her own good. Seth closed the door, leaned against the wood and frowned. His home
seemed quiet. During the past few weeks he’d gotten used to Edna, Janie and Rebecca being within its walls. He especially missed Rebecca—the way she would sing Janie to sleep at night and the way her laughter made the air about him seem light and carefree.
If only he hadn’t killed Jesse. If only he didn’t already have to live with Clare’s death. If only he could forgive himself. God had forgiven him, but even knowing that, Seth couldn’t bring himself to put another woman in harm’s way. Besides, when Rebecca learned he’d killed Jesse, she would probably move on to another town. She’d not want to live in the same town as a murderer.
* * *
“Why, thank you, I’d be delighted to have you walk me home.” Rebecca smiled at the reverend.
“I’d love to see Janie and invite Mrs. Shepherd to church.” He stood and gathered up his Bible and hat.
She’d been pleasantly surprised when he’d arrived right before dinner. Seth had seemed happy to see him, as well, so she’d invited him to dinner and while she cleaned the kitchen, the men had visited. She’d listened to them discuss King David and how the shepherd boy had become a king, one of her favorite events from the Bible.
Seth walked them to the door. He no longer needed the cane around the house. “Thanks for stopping by, Reverend. Come back anytime.”
“If Miss Rebecca will fix me dinner every night, I might just take you up on that.”
Rebecca smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She turned to Seth. “Good night, Marshal.”
He frowned and nodded. “Good night, Rebecca.”
The reverend offered her his arm. She slipped her hand into it and turned her back on Seth. Since she’d learned he was only interested in keeping her safe for Jesse, she’d reverted back to calling him Marshal. It didn’t seem as personal and made her job easier.
The reverend patted her hand. “Dinner was delightful, Miss Rebecca.”
A blush filled her cheeks. Rebecca was thankful that the night wasn’t as bright as it had been on other days. “Thank you. It was only chicken and dumplings. I would think you’ve had many dinners that were much better.”
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